Field Device Setting via I/O Intermediary and Preloaded Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

In process control systems, the manual setting and verification of field devices for predetermined operations are time-consuming, requiring extensive procedures and operator intervention.

Innovation Solution

A setting system comprising a server apparatus that provides device setting data associating field device identification information with setting data, and an input/output device that transmits this data to field devices upon connection, enabling automatic setting of field devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual setting and verification procedures are used for field devices, then operational accuracy can be ensured through human checking, but the operation time and labor effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The field device performs self-setting by automatically receiving setting data from the input/output device and executing the configuration autonomously without requiring manual intervention for each setting parameter, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining reliability through automated verification processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Setting data is prepared and stored in the input/output device in advance before the field device is physically installed or connected, allowing the actual setting operation to be completed automatically upon connection without requiring time-consuming manual configuration during installation or maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple procedural steps are followed for field device setting, then comprehensive configuration can be achieved, but the complexity of the setting process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration completenessVSAvoidsetting process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The input/output device serves multiple functions: it stores setting data for multiple field devices, manages communication protocols, performs authentication, and automatically transmits configuration data, thereby consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate manual operations into a single integrated system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The input/output device acts as an intermediary between the control device and the field device, managing the complex data exchange and configuration transmission automatically, which simplifies the overall setting process by abstracting away the procedural complexity from the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated setting transmission is implemented, then operation time is reduced, but the requirement for data management infrastructure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting efficiencyVSAvoidsystem infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Setting data is pre-stored in the input/output device in a structured format with associated identification information before actual field device configuration is needed, enabling rapid automated transmission without requiring complex real-time data processing infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses data copying where the input/output device stores copies of setting data that can be automatically transmitted to field devices, eliminating the need for complex real-time generation or processing of configuration data during the actual setting operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12321151B2Setting system, setting device, setting method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A setting system performs setting required for causing a field device to perform a predetermined operation on the field device. The setting system includes a server apparatus configured to provide device setting data in which identification information of the field device and setting data to be set in the field device are associated with other, and an input/output device that is a device interposed between the field device and a control device controlling the field device. In a case in which connection between the input/output device and the field device has been established, the input/output device is configured to perform the setting of the field device by transmitting, to the field device, the setting data associated with the identification information of the field device with which the connection has been established out of the device setting data provided from the server apparatus.